Mama Hen and Baby Chicks

[Lizzy2825]

Last Tuesday I was able to successfully place 4 baby chicks under my 3 week broody hen. She took to them so perfectly. This was the first time I’ve done this so I was super happy! The mama hen is a silver Wyandotte name Mary Poppins. She is very protective over her babies (and was very sassy broody too) and I’m fine with that but I’m just worried now the chicks will never be used to me. Will there be a point where she will ease up a little? Or will these chicks not even be close to like the ones I hand raised (like Mary Poppins)? She gets sassy with me.
Also, she has not brought them out of the coop yet(they are all in the same coop and bigger hens). I’ve heard she usually does within the first week. We do live in MI and the weather has been chilly this week, would that have anything to do with it? She has come out for a second but then goes right back in. My coop is also off the ground a little bit so not sure if that may play a part too. I don’t have a run (they are free rangers) so I’m not able to put anything lower on the ground.
The one time she was out she did fight my other hen. They both were getting into it. Is that normal? Will they hurt each other? I did break it up when I seen it.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

Last Tuesday I was able to successfully place 4 baby chicks under my 3 week broody hen. She took to them so perfectly. This was the first time I’ve done this so I was super happy! The mama hen is a silver Wyandotte name Mary Poppins. She is very protective over her babies (and was very sassy broody too) and I’m fine with that but I’m just worried now the chicks will never be used to me. Will there be a point where she will ease up a little? Or will these chicks not even be close to like the ones I hand raised (like Mary Poppins)? She gets sassy with me.
Also, she has not brought them out of the coop yet(they are all in the same coop and bigger hens). I’ve heard she usually does within the first week. We do live in MI and the weather has been chilly this week, would that have anything to do with it? She has come out for a second but then goes right back in. My coop is also off the ground a little bit so not sure if that may play a part too. I don’t have a run (they are free rangers) so I’m not able to put anything lower on the ground.
The one time she was out she did fight my other hen. They both were getting into it. Is that normal? Will they hurt each other? I did break it up when I seen it.

It doesn't always work to have chicks with other grown hens, Mama is probably just sensing danger so not letting the chicks out. How much is your coop elevated? Would the chicks get injured trying to get to the ground??

Chicks are certainly less tame when raised by Mama because she warns them away from us humans. She doesn't want us to take them. So they see us initially as someone to run away from. But within a couple of weeks they can start becoming playful when you approach them. For first few months it makes a difference, they won't be inclined to jump into your hand or that sort of thing, but once Mama is done rearing them (anywhere close to 2 months) they begin to suss things out for themselves and can become as friendly as the hand reared. I'm just saying all this from my own personal experience. Best luck with them all!